The recent earthquake in Myanmar has opened new avenues for Thai exports, particularly in construction materials and consumer goods, as the country grapples with significant damage.
According to the Department of International Trade Promotion, the earthquake has created an urgent need for imports, especially from Thailand, as Myanmar seeks to rebuild. Arada Fuangthong, the department's director-general, noted that the disaster has not only disrupted local infrastructure but also increased demand for essential goods.
"Currently, Myanmar is very unstable, so importing raw materials in large quantities is essential for business partners. In this unstable situation, it will be possible to sell European products and import more from Thailand," said Fuangthong. She highlighted that cement, steel, and various consumer goods would likely see increased demand as Myanmar begins the recovery process.
Despite the challenges, she assured that the transportation routes from Thailand to Myanmar remain unaffected, with no bridges reported damaged. The Thai government anticipates that Myanmar will ease its import regulations to facilitate the influx of necessary goods.
In February 2025, trade between Thailand and Myanmar saw a decline of 2.44%, totaling 17.77 billion baht, primarily due to disruptions caused by a crackdown on call center scams. However, with Myanmar expected to ramp up imports from Thailand, the department projects a significant rebound in trade volume starting in April.
"The rise in imports from Thailand could help achieve our trade targets this year, especially as we saw a 3% increase in trade value from January to February 2025, amounting to 36.86 billion baht," Fuangthong added.
In a related effort to support businesses affected by the earthquake, the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) has announced emergency measures aimed at alleviating the financial burden on customers. Dr. Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, the bank's general manager, stated that these measures align with the Ministry of Finance's policies to support both export activities and the supply chain.
"We are extending the repayment period for short-term loans up to 180 days and increasing credit lines by up to 20% of existing limits, capped at 2 million baht," said Vorrakitpokatorn. He emphasized that these adjustments would help businesses maintain continuity amid the economic uncertainty following the earthquake.
For long-term loans, EXIM Bank is extending the maximum loan term to seven years, reducing the interest rate by 0.5% for the first year, and allowing for up to one year of principal repayment deferral. This initiative is designed to enhance liquidity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with the aftermath of the disaster.
"Our financial stability allows us to support Thai entrepreneurs in continuing their operations despite facing disasters or economic uncertainties," Vorrakitpokatorn stated. Businesses can apply for assistance through the bank's website or contact their customer service for more information.
Furthermore, the Thai Commerce Ministry is actively promoting rice exports to Africa, aiming for 900,000 tons by the end of 2025. Deputy Minister of Commerce Warawut Ramangkul recently led a trade delegation to South Africa, marking the tenth such visit in a decade.
"The response from South Africa has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are optimistic about increasing rice exports to the region," Ramangkul said. He noted that Thai rice holds a significant market share in South Africa, accounting for over 70% of rice imports.
During this visit, the delegation engaged with South African officials, including Rosemary Nokuzola Kapara, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, to discuss trade and investment opportunities. Ramangkul emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Thailand and South Africa, particularly in agricultural products.
"We are looking to expand our trade agreements and enhance cooperation in agriculture, logistics, and product standards," he stated. Additionally, he mentioned that the ongoing discussions aim to elevate the Joint Trade Committee meetings to ministerial level, expediting negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and South Africa.
In 2024, Thailand exported 833,184 tons of rice to South Africa, a slight decline from 2023. However, the first two months of 2025 have shown promising signs, with exports reaching 98,943 tons, a 60% increase compared to the same period last year.
"These initiatives are expected to stabilize and boost Thai rice exports, contributing to our overall target of 7.5 million tons this year," Ramangkul concluded.
The Thai government is not only focusing on immediate trade needs following the earthquake but is also strategically positioning the country in the African market, aiming to enhance agricultural exports and strengthen bilateral relations.
